Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
These are difficult times for Muslims in America. Recently young Muslims have been killed and an Islamic centre has been burnt down. What advice do you have for us?
These are some of the tribulations that occur at the end of time. Following the correct moderate path is what deflects these tribulations.
Muslims should follow the example of those that Allah describes in the Qur’an:
“Many a prophet was killed[1] with a number of devoted men beside them but they never lost heart due to what befell them in Allah’s way. They were not weakened and they did not give in. Allah loves those who are steadfast. All that they said was: ‘Our Lord, forgive us our sins and our transgressions, make our feet firm and assist us against those who reject faith.’ So Allah gave them a reward in this world and the best reward of the Hereafter, and Allah loves the people of excellence.” (3.146 -8)
Just as Allah gave the previous nations the reward of this life and the next, Allah; out of His generosity, will give a similar or even better reward to someone who says the same thing and attains the same state.
Muslims should beware of doing anything that contravenes the Sacred Law or of denying anyone their rights. Their actions should reflect the true teachings of Islam. Allah will give them support in the face of what they are suffering. Those who are involved in calling to Allah should remind people of what we have just mentioned and try to make people’s faith firm. They should aim to prevent things like this from happening.
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[1] Another reading of the Qur’an would translate as: ‘Many of the pious fought with the Prophets..’